Do I Qualify For Compensation From My Dog Bite Injury?
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
According to statistics from the website FloridaHealth.gov, every year over 600 Floridians are hospitalized as a result of injuries that they have suffered from a dog bite. On average, two people die of their dog bite injuries annually. Dog bites can inflict serious injuries to adults as well as children and the results of those injuries can be devastating. The hospital bills are on average 50% higher for dog bite victims than any other injury related stays. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation from their owner for damages and pain and suffering.Dog Bite Injuries And Damages
In addition to being very traumatic, a dog attacking you can often result in long term or permanent damage to you physically. Some of the more common dog bite injuries we see here in Port Charlotte include:
● Bite marks
● Cuts and bruises
● Lacerations
● Soft tissue injuries
● Broken bones
● Permanent scarring
● In some cases, death
Florida Dog Bite Statutes
In the state of Florida, we are a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bites. Florida’s dog bite statute (FLSA 767.04) states that the owner of the dog is liable if the dog bites another person (you or your child) and the person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place. The dog owner will be held liable if you can prove that the dog bit you and that you were in public or invited to the land the dog was on. As a victim of a dog bite you are entitled to compensation for your injuries under one of the following law claims.
• Negligence: The dog owner is found negligent if they failed to provide level of care to how another reasonable person would have performed under the same circumstances.
• Negligence Per Se: The owner can be held liable if they violated statutes or regulations put in place to protect and maintain the safety of the public.
• Scienter: More commonly called the “one bite rule”, anyone with knowledge of a dog’s attack history can be held liable.
• Intentional Tort: In some cases, a claim such as battery can be sought if the owner deliberated intended the dog to attack you.
There is an exception to the “strict liability” dog law of Florida. If there is a sign warning about the dog posted conspicuously, for example a “beware of dog” sign. The owner is not liable for any injuries you get as a result of you ignoring that sign. Also be aware that if the dog owner may try to claim that you were trespassing and then the court would determine what percent of fault each person is responsible for.
Compensation For A Dog Bite
If you have been injured by an attacking dog, contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You can file a claim for both economic and non-economic compensation/damages. Some of the damages you can request compensation for include:
● Past and future wages
● Lost wages and time at work
● Pain and suffering
● Mental anguish
For over thirty years All Injuries Law firm has represented thousands of injured clients in Port Charlotte, Sarasota, and Southwest Florida. Since we specialize in personal injury law exclusively we are experts in representing and obtaining the compensation you deserve as a result of your dog bite. If you have sustained injuries due to a dog bite, please contact us right away for a free consultation to make sure you do not have to suffer financially as well as emotionally from your dog bite.